Virat Kohli and Steve Smith have experienced contrasting fortunes in recent months. While one has had to return to domestic cricket after 12 years following a dramatic loss of form, the other just brought up his 35th Test hundred and became the latest batter to join the 10,

On Steve Smith's achievement, Ponting complimented him, saying that he is in the contention for being the best batter of the current generation. England's Joe Root, he maintained, was also in the reckoning.

Aussie cricket great Ian Healy has boldly declared Steve Smith might play on until age 40, which could see him eventually surpass Ricky Ponting and become Australia's greatest run-scorer. Smith joined the 10,

Ricky Ponting left out Virat Kohli and called Steve Smith 'best player of the generation' after he scored his 35th Test hundred at Galle. Ponting also mentioned Joe Root and Kane Williamson as players who are on par with Smith but omitted Kohli from the list.

Virat Kohli was not mentioned in the conversation as former Australia captain Ricky Pon000ting debated who could be the "best player of this generation." The Aussie legend sided with Steve Smith just moments after he reached the milestone of 10,

Steve Smith completed his 10,000 Test runs during the Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match at Galle International Stadium in Galle.